Does High Blood Pressure Affect Lungs

1. Does High Blood Pressure Affect Lungs? When high blood pressure affects the right side of your heart and the arteries in the lungs, pulmonary hypertension occurs. This causes an increase in the number of muscles in the blood vessels (walls). In some people, this condition starts to worsen with time and leads to life- threatening reactions. Since there is no specific cure for pulmonary hypertension, your doctor can give you medications to manage symptoms. The major cause of pulmonary hypertension remains high blood pressure. However, different types of hypertension have varied causes. These include the following. Type 1- Pulmonary arterial hypertension  Changes in a gene  Heart diseases present at birth  HIV infection  Chronic liver disease  Side effects of certain drugs Type 2- Pulmonary hypertension by left-sided heart disease  Problems in the heart valve present on the left side  Failure of the left ventricle (chamber of the heart) Type 3- Pulmonary hypertension by lung disease  Sleep-related breathing disorder  Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs)  Air-blockage and breathing problems

2. Type 4- Pulmonary hypertension by chronic blood clots  Blood-clotting disorders  Blood clots in the lungs In some cases, pulmonary arterial hypertension and cancer medicines are interlinked. This is because most prescription drugs given to cancer patients are strong chemotherapy agents that can interfere with the normal functioning of the heart and lungs. Other conditions like kidney problems, inflammatory diseases, and blood disorders can also cause pulmonary hypertension. What are its common symptoms? Pulmonary hypertension slowly becomes severe and develops symptoms. The following are commonly experienced by the patients as the disease progresses.  Difficulty in breathing  Fatigue  Dizziness  Pressure in the chest  Chest pain  Fast pulse  Inability to exercise  Swelling in the legs and ankles  Bluish lips and skin See a doctor if you experience these or other signs that become unmanageable. Is there any treatment available? If you experience moderate to severe symptoms of hypertension, your doctor can advise a number of managing therapies. Mostly, patients get tired of breathing problems. Here are some of the common treatment options.  Oxygen therapy This is a therapy that provides extra or supplemental oxygen. Oxygen therapy is usually given in a hospital.  Blood vessel dilators These are the medicines that help in opening the blood vessels. Such a treatment is desirable when your blood vessels become moderately narrow.  Guanylate cyclase stimulators These are the medicines that help in increasing nitric oxide in your body. This further lowers the pressure in your lungs.  Warfarin It is a blood-thinning medication. Warfarin is also known as an anticoagulant. It is used in managing blood clots.  Surgery Doctors may prescribe surgery for pulmonary hypertension, i.e., lung transplant or lung- heart transplant. What are its home remedies? Mild symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can be managed with home remedies in addition to the prescribed treatment. You may consider the following.  Get plenty of rest.  Avoid smoking.

3. Avoid birth control pills. Eat healthy and low-fat food items. Manage your weight. Consume food items rich in whole grains. Try yoga and other mild exercises.      Do not use any of the advice as a substitute for your doctor’s prescription. Seek medical support in case of unmanageable conditions. Source: http://writeus.me/does-high-blood-pressure-affect-lungs/